A six month outposting has recently been completed at the School for Social Policy and Research (SSPR) at Charles Darwin University (CDU). Megan Brown from the ABS worked closely with the Population Studies Group examining population mobility in the Northern Territory (NT).

The outposting was established to undertake statistical analysis and to assist with the preparation of research papers and reports. As well as supporting SSPR researchers in the use and understanding of ABS data, the outposting provided an opportunity to enhance and build new relationships between both agencies.

The joint project looked at 30 years of mobility (five Census periods) in the NT and aimed to identify trends over time of mobility (interstate and intrastate), for three specific locations in the NT: Darwin-Palmerston, Top End, and Southern NT. Five groups of Census variables were analysed: Age and Sex; Indigenous Status; Relationships in Households; Ancestry and Language Spoken at Home; and Occupation. The data were analysed using both one and five year ago 'Place of Usual Residence'.

The outposting at CDU is not the first time the ABS has assisted agencies in the Northern Territory. Other agencies to benefit from ABS outpostings in the past include NT Treasury, Parks and Wildlife, the former Department of Employment, Education and Training, and the NT Police.

A rise in the popularity of ABS outpostings has resulted from the increased recognition of the benefits that statistics can have when people are seeking to formulate evidence based policies and would like the benefit of accessing in-house knowledge of ABS data and data management practices.

If you are considering the use of an ABS outposted officer or would like further information about ABS outpostings, please contact Debbie Goodwin on (08) 89432105.